Orange coughs to data network failure

Orange UK has admitted that its data network is having all kinds of trouble, and that the problem is ongoing with no scheduled fix.

The problems started yesterday with users being unable to connect to data services, though voice continues to work OK. Early this morning the problem remitted slightly, but by the time people rolled into work the network was playing up again, with users across the country reduced to speaking to each other.

"We can confirm that some Orange mobile customers across the UK may be experiencing reduced data access," the company said in a statement. "We are trying to resolve this issue as a matter of priority and would like to apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused."

Some users have been able to connect, at very slow speeds, while others have had success using 2G networking. For most users, however, the internet has just disappeared.

Orange suggested that "customers who would like to discuss this with us further" should call, and providing numbers for monthly subscribers (150), businesses (345) and pre-paid (450). The statement makes no promises of refunds, but a few Reg readers have been offered token credit to make up for the inconvenience.

What most people would like, it seems, is some sort of indication on the website of network status - as already provided by the better (fixed) Internet Service Providers. That would, of course, make comparisons of reliability all too easy - it'll probably come eventually, but which network will want to be the first to offer such a thing? ®